A fsQCA configurational path analysis of green mine construction at provincial level in China

Green mine construction is a crucial initiative for realizing the low-carbon transformation and high-quality development of China's mining industry. Based on data from 31 provinces, this work applies the fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) method to systematically explore the complex causal mechanisms and multiple driving paths of green mine construction outcomes from the multidimensional perspectives of resource endowment, environmental constraints, economic foundation, policy support, and technological capacity. The results show that: (1)A single condition is not a necessary factor in promoting green mine construction.The green transition demonstrates typical "concurrent causality" characteristics.(2)In practice, multiple equivalent paths coexist to achieve high-level green mine construction, with the main types being "policy-investment driven", "technology-ecology synergistic", and "resource-economy led".(3)Two types of configuration paths affecting green mine construction outcomes are identified, with combinations such as resource dependence, fiscal constraints, and technological shortcomings exerting restrictive effects on the green transition. This study reveals the spatial heterogeneity and diversified pathways of green mine construction in China, and provides a theoretical basis for adopting locally tailored, category-based, and differentiated construction strategies to advance the green transformation of the mining industry.